Bride? Or wife?
In the natural, it’s hard to know after a few decades. But in the Spiritual, it is very clear. Both claim His Name, but the heart is very different. A Bride is chosen, sometimes for reasons even she doesn’t see or understand–and a wife can be an arrangement, a duty, a series of demanded expectations.
There are several references throughout the Word comparing brides and wives, but today I’d like to take a look at the Parable of the 10 Virgins:
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept and at midnight there was a cry made, ‘Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him’. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, ‘Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out’. But the wise answered saying, ‘Not so: lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying ‘Lord, Lord, open to us’. But He answered and said, ‘Verily I say unto you, I know you not’. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Matthew 25:1-13, KJV
There is much to be gleaned here, but I want to look at the “heart” of these 10: Five of them were very much excited about their marriage. They had obviously thought ahead, planned accordingly, and although sleepy–were ready to wait for as long as it took for their Husband to arrive. They were not only in love with the thought of taking on His Name–they were IN LOVE with Him! He was worthy and worth the wait!!
The other five wanted to be married, provided for, known in the market square as His wife. The associated privileges were a desired outtake from the union–but love was a sideline issue…nice, but if not there, a doable arrangement. Hey, at least they’d be married! (These 5 knew the future was grim for those who did not marry–and they didn’t want to suffer that end–so they packed a lamp, trimmed a wick, and settled in next to the “giddy five” to wait to go in and do their own thing). In their heart, they weren’t really interested in intimacy and KNOWING Him–just gaining His Name so they’d be set. Or so they thought…
Brides are chosen. “For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14. I will not belabor the parable in which this quote is taken, but it certainly deserves a read in light of our conversation! (Matthew 22:1-14)
Brides choose. As Brides, we choose the level of intimacy with our Savior.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:1-3, KJV
There are choices here. Choices that are on our part: “call upon Me”, “go and pray unto Me”, “seek Me”, “search for Me with all your heart”. Not “works” in order to earn, but chosen deeds flowing from a heart that LOVES Him, wanting to KNOW Him greater! An open invitation to the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit! Extra oil–if you will. 😉
Wives focus on the management of their duty, then go about their daily lives content with their married Name.
“…I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which are about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up I will come like a thief, and you will not know at that hour I will come to you…” Revelation 3:1-3 NASB
Wives find pride, validation, and contentment in their “works” of married life–totally devoid of intimacy, transparency, or bothering to truly KNOW Him. In fact, wives don’t even desire to “go there” with Him.
And yet there is one other angle to consider: Brides that start out their relationship enraptured in genuine love–but rather than seeking intimacy and the Word of their Bridegroom, they begin to follow people.
Blind leaders of the blind will convince a Bride that His love is conditional on her “work”. This perceived “duty” of carrying His Name now supersedes, and ultimately defines, the relationship. Sadly, her tender heart of love grows cold under the wearisome demands of this man-defined religion. “Works” will blind her from His Love, and will strip her from her provided place. It will steal her joy of dwelling alongside Him and relishing in His Love.
Awake dear Bride!
A Bride’s worth is in a single attribute: she is HIS. He chose her, because HE loved her. Her only response is to love Him with ALL of her heart, ALL of her soul, ALL of her mind, and ALL of her strength. When her identity is strongly secure in her Husband’s love for her, then she is able to love others in sincerity.
I pray that all who read will have an honest look, an honest assessment, and an open dialogue with the Bridegroom. He’s coming. Be ready!
With love to all who love Him in return,
Sheila
If interested in additional reading, check out the book of Jude, John 3:1-21, 1 Peter 1:13-2:3, Matthew 7:21-23, Mark 12:29-34.
